You already know that acorn-fed Iberico hams are the most appreciated. But did you know that they can have an Iberian breed percentage of 50%, 75% and 100%? If you are interested in buying acorn-fed Iberian ham, but you have doubts between a black or red label, we will clear up your doubts in this article.
Below I am going to describe the most important aspects that will allow you to differentiate one acorn-fed Iberian ham from another, especially knowing when the pieces are from purebred Iberian pigs or crossed with 100% Duroc pigs.
Acorn-fed Iberico ham.
It is considered Iberico bellota ham when it complies with the regulation that indicates that the pig from which it comes spent its last four months, from October to February, which is the montanera season, freely feeding on acorns and herbs from the pasture.
Regardless of the percentage of the Iberian breed pig, all those cataloged as acorn have at their disposal the fruits of the holm oaks, cork oaks and other wild grasses present in the field.
If you are interested in buying an acorn-fed Iberico pork shoulder or a ham, it is easier than it seems, but there are some differences that you should take into account according to your taste preferences.
Characteristics of a Pata Negra bellota ham.
If you prefer a 100% Iberico whole ham, the first thing you may notice is that it is visually different from a piece that is 50% Iberian.
An Iberian pata negra ham or pork shoulder, without crosses, is more elongated and stylized than a 50% Iberian. This indicates that if it is more rounded towards the end opposite the hoof, the piece will not be a purebred pig, but it is equally exquisite.
The meat of hams obtained from 100% Iberian purebred pigs is leaner as they are not crossed with Duroc pigs, which provide an extra fat infiltrate, with which the ham will have a more intense flavor. On the contrary, the smell and taste of a pata negra ham is more subtle, softer. One is not better than the other, it simply depends on your personal tastes when choosing one or the other.
The 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham or shoulder has the distinction of always having a black flange, a label that certifies its racial purity, regardless of the brand, an important aspect if you want to obtain a product like this.
How to choose a 50% iberico bellota whole ham.
Acorn-fed hams 50% Iberian breed are made from pigs of crossbreeds allowed by law, the mother always being 100% pure breed and the father 100% Duroc pure breed, resulting in a 50% Iberian breed percentage.
This 50% Iberian ham is a product that also has very good quality, which has been fed with acorn during the same montanera stage as the purebred, but it will have a slightly lower price than the latter.
In this case, the acorn-fed Iberian ham has a red flange, but when seeing this label it should be distinguished that there are pieces that are 50% and also 75% Iberian and by law the percentage of breed must always be specified on the label. .
Regardless of the purity percentage of the breed, Iberian hams and shoulders are of very good quality, so you can finally make the choice according to your personal tastes or the money you want to spend. Buying red label acorn-fed Iberico ham will always be cheaper.
Online Iberico Spanish ham store.
In Jamón Pasión you can find the Iberian ham that best suits your preferences and all certified and with their corresponding legal labels.
You already know how to distinguish between a 100% Iberian acorn-fed ham from a 50% Iberian, you can choose the one that best suits your preference or budget, according to your requirement or according to the occasion.
It is the most complete online store to buy iberico ham. All hams are shipped directly from the factory, in the same place where they are made, where they remain in the best humidity and temperature conditions.
Now we have a super offer of one of the best pata negra hams with Protected Designation of Origin PDO Los Pedroches at an unbeatable price.